South Dakota features a number of theaters that produce high-quality, entertaining shows. And while it seems that most theatrical productions are found in the cities of Rapid City and Sioux Falls, there are other theater companies scattered around the state waiting to be enjoyed.
Rapid City
Located in Rapid City, The Black Hills Playhouse was founded in 1946, and has been in continuous operation ever since. Originally housed in the former camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps, in 1947 the BHP began receiving financial assistance from the University of South Dakota. Their current theater was constructed in 1955. Shows at the BHP have garnered excellent reviews, and are a hit with critics and audiences alike. Some of their recent productions include The Mousetrap, Luv, A Chorus Line, Fiddler On The Roof, and A Year With Frog and Toad.
As well, an outreach of the BHP is the Children's Theatre Company of South Dakota, whose focus is on providing young people with the opportunity to engage in theatrical productions in a positive atmosphere. Engaging students in the arts is a goal of the CTCSD, which tours around the state. Some of their productions include Campfire Tales, Treasure Hunt, and On the Road to Bremen Town.
Other dramatic destinations in Rapid City include the Firehouse Brewing Company's dinner theater and Black Hills Community Theatre.
Sioux Falls
Located in Sioux Falls, The Augustana Theatre Company is housed on the Augustana College campus, and is a vital part of the college setting. The focus of the company is to explore themes and concepts with a Christian, liberal arts setting. (The college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran church.) Their top-notch productions are focused on the concept of interactive theater. Some of their recent productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Urinetown, The Glass Menagerie, and The Laramie Project.
Also located in Sioux Falls is the Sioux Empire Arts Council. The Council sponsors a number of arts-related activities, including the Sioux Empire Community Theatre. Founded in 2003, the Sioux Empire Community Theatre is volunteer-based and dedicated to providing the best local theater performances possible. They strive to promote hands-on learning for the community volunteers and an excellent show for those who attend their performances. Previous productions have included Dial M for Murder, Steel Magnolias, Grease, Cabaret, and Over The River And Through The Woods.
The Sioux Falls Arena presents touring shows by such theater companies as the Blue Man Group, as well comedians like Jeff Dunham. For a fun diversion with the kids, enjoy a show at The Children's Theatre Company of Sioux Falls, a professional non-profit theater group.
Other Cities
The Vermillion Community Theatre, located in Vermillion, performs at the Vermillion High School Performing Arts Center. They are dedicated to performing "Theatre in the Heart of the Northern Plains." Some of their past productions include The Good Doctor, Our Town, and The Pirates of Penzance.
Located in Madison, the Dakota Prairie Playhouse serves the production purposes of both South Dakota State University's Prairie Repertory Theatre and Dakota State University. The Prairie Repertory Theatre has been around for over 37 years. Some of their past performances include Dames at Sea, The King and I, Oklahoma, Damn Yankees, and South Pacific.
Aberdeen is home to The Aberdeen Community Theatre. Formed in 1979 by former Northern State University professor Richard Norquist, their goal is to produce fun, accessible community theater. Performances are staged at the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Aberdeen. Past performances have included Driving Miss Daisy, Bus Stop, and The Pajama Game.
As well, the Mitchell Area Community Theatre prides itself on producing high quality, entertaining shows for their local community. Their shows are performed at the Pepsi-Cola Theatre for the Performing Arts. Performances have included Disney's Beauty and the Beast, My Fair Lady, Chicago, The Music Man, and Miracle on 34th Street.
Those who love dinner theater may want to make a trip to Worthing to attend a play at the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre. Though it's a community group, it maintains a very active season from September through May, producing approximately four shows which each run about five weeks. Performances take place every Thursday through Sunday during the show's run.
South Dakota has many theatrical productions ready and waiting to be enjoyed by the viewing public. Don't miss out on experiencing excellent local theater in South Dakota.
